THE PEOPLE’S March for the NHS set off from Mansfield yesterday with heads held high following a fantastic show of support in the Nottinghamshire town.

Trade unionists, community and church organisations turned out in force to greet them as they ended the latest leg of their Jarrow-to-London crusade to save our health service.

Sixty marchers had earlier joined the Darlington women at the core of the campaign as they left Chesterfield in bright sunshine on day 12 of their epic journey.

Ann Donlon, who with the National Union of Mineworker’s Eric Eaton helped organise the reception in Mansfield, said: “The response from the local authority, trade unions and the community in general has been fantastic and Mansfield is proud to add its voice to the growing chorus of support for the NHS.

“Everywhere the march has come through, the response has been the same and the government needs to take notice of the overwhelming support that the public has for the NHS.”

The marchers set off for Nottingham yesterday and are heading for Loughborough today.

For updates visit 999callfornhs.org.uk